Visit UKSCUK Association of Black Judges launched at the UK Supreme Court
On July 1st the Court was proud to host the inaugural meeting of the UK Association of Black Judges. Described as a “foundation of change for those who will come after”, the event was attended by Lady Simler, Lord Lloyd-Jones, Lord Sales, Lord Richards, Lord Stevens and the Court’s former president Lady Hale. The Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr was also present, and the event began with a welcome from Lord Leggatt. He told the audience that the profession was acutely aware of the underrepresentation of black lawyers in the judiciary, and in the legal profession as a whole. Practical representation was improving for many demographics said Lord Leggatt, but not for black lawyers. Referring directly to Baroness Doreen Lawrence who was also present, Lord Leggatt said that the Supreme Court was working in its own sphere of influence to change this, by for example supporting the Stephen Lawrence Scholars, who came to the Court every year, and the Black Talent Charter, to which the Court is a signatory.
Judge Cordella Bart-Stewart OBE followed Lord Leggatt’s introduction by addressing the issues that have led to the association being formed. Judge Bart-Stewart was admitted to the Roll in 1987 then proceeded to set up her own High St practice, while also being a fee-paid immigration and asylum judge for 25 years. Yet despite the progress she had made in her own career, Judge Bart-Stewart said it was disappointing that an association for black judges was needed in 2025.
Black judges make up just 1% of the judiciary in the UK. Only 1.3% of court judges are recorded as of Black ethnicity and 1.7% of tribunal judges. Those numbers held up a “mirror to our systems and society, both of which we are all deeply committed to, otherwise we would not be doing the work we do” she said; but for the system to command the confidence of the society it serves, it must reflect the “the full breadth and richness of that society.”
Judeh Bart-Stewart said that as a 4 year-old immigrant, with a mother working as a cleaner and child carer and a father as a factory worker “no one in our community expected or encouraged me to be a lawyer. It was considered totally out of reach. The young Cordella would never have imagined this evening, speaking in this venue.”
She ended by saying “This moment is not just for us. It is for the young law student wondering if there's a future for them in the highest courts. It is for the communities who deserve to see justice done, and to see themselves reflected in those who deliver it at every level.”
“Many of you who responded have said that this is long overdue. We hope this is a foundation of change for those who will come after, and I hope you will all be proud to be part of it and contribute to its success.”
Judge Bart-Stewart's full speech can be read here.